An analysis of size and structure of the Army of Reunified Korea

Abstract

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimitedThe purpose of this study is to estimate a reasonable size and an appropriate structure for the Army of Reunified Korea (the Korean Federal Army, KFA). In addition, this study discusses methods of integrating Korean People's Army (KPA) personnel of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (PDRK), now commonly referred to as "North Korea," into the KFA. To do this, this study starts with a planning threat from the People's Republic of China (PRC), estimates the combat potential of that threat, and then estimates the KFA forces needed to provide a robust defense against that threat. In addition, this study analyzes the appropriate composition of the KFA, using Germany's military integration as a reference case. The proposed KFA components are High-ntensity Combat Units (HICUs), Homeland Defense Units (HDUs), and an Expeditionary Unit. The HICUs consist of two mechanized corps and one armored corps each, with forces that include nine heavy divisions, three armored divisions, and three artillery brigades per HICU. The HDUs consist of 18 homeland defense infantry divisions and one capital defense command, which have two homeland defense infantry divisions for a total of 20 homeland defense infantry divisions. The Expeditionary Unit consists of one brigade. The proposed personnel strength of KFA is approximately 350,000, which is about two-thirds the size of the current Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). North Korean military personnel could be utilized in the KFA through transforming and downsizing KPA combat units. To minimize dissatisfaction of discharged KPA professional soldiers, Reunified Korea should provide them with alternative job prospects by using them for reconstruction of the North Korean region, hiring them into military-related jobs, or providing training for other forms of employment.Republic of Korea Army autho